Challenge-proven nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug hypersensitivity in children

Few studies investigated hypersensitivity to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in children. The objective was to determine the frequency of true NSAID hypersensitivity (NSAID-H) and whether there were any parameters in the history of children that would predict NSAID-H. Secondly, an investigation was conducted into whether NSAID-hypersensitive children could tolerate safe alternatives. Differing from previous studies, the researchers followed the recent diagnostic algorithm proposed for acute reactions in NSAID-H.

Children with a history suggesting NSAID-H were evaluated by an allergist. The patients with a single NSAID in history were tested first with a skin prick test and if negative challenged with the culprit NSAID. The patients who had reactions with multiple NSAIDs were directly challenged with their culprit drugs. Safe alternatives in children with a confirmed NSAID-H were found by oral provocation tests (OPTs).

Fifty-eight of 61 patients participated in the study. Thirty-eight patients (65.5%) described a reaction to a single NSAID and 20 mentioned reactions with ≥2 different NSAIDs. Single-drug-induced and cross-reactive NSAID-Hs were proven in 5 of 36 (14%) and 8 of 18 (44%) of patients, respectively. Acetaminophen and nimesulide were tolerated in 60% and 88.8% of the study patients as safe alternatives, respectively. Family history of NSAID-H was found as the only significant predictor of OPT (OR: 5.4; 95% CI: 1.02-28.6).

Histories of both single and multiple NSAID-Hs are poor predictors of actual drug hypersensitivity. Therefore, diagnostic tests should be performed in all children if no contraindication exits. Family history of NSAID-H is the only significant parameter predicting OPT results.